I love avocados, sometimes (read: daily) stand on my head to get my creative juices flowing, and I could listen to The Beatles sing, “I’ve Just Seen A Face” everyday, for the rest of forever.

Wondering what goes on here? Yup, so are the rest of us.

1. I am a lifestyle photographer. I have the most remarkable clients in the world, and I share their images here to inspire us all to live life with greater love, meaning and joy.

2. I am a writer. This blog is full of many of the curious thinks I have thunk.

3. I am a speaker and life/business consultant. I post upcoming speaking engagements and consulting information here as well.

4. I am most fulfilled by my work as a wife and mother to my 4 sons, one of whom now lives in Heaven. I share bits and pieces of our journey here on this blog. Including our ongoing struggle with grief, our experiences with ADHD and SPD, and our solid faith in a God much bigger than the challenges we face.

But ultimately, I hope that this blog is about something much bigger than all of that.My dream is for this blog to be a place where real life comes to be celebrated and enthusiastically embraced. Not just the pretty stuff, with tailored hems, clean lines,and the new colors for spring . . . but everything else, too. The frazzled mornings, broken hearts, crazy dreams, messy kitchens. . . even the fear, failure, hopelessness and devastation. I want this blog to be a place for every bit of what makes us all living, breathing, feeling human beings, experiencing together this remarkable thing called life.

May this be a place of passion, purpose, laughter, tears, friendship, encouragement and inspiration for us all.

In 2010, our perfect *”Baby Gavin” returned to Heaven after losing a courageous battle with **Pertussis (whooping cough). We are eternally and profoundly grateful to the thousands upon thousands (upon thousands) of friends and strangers from all over the world, of all faiths and creeds, who united with our family in prayer during Baby Gavin’s horrific illness and who grieved with us and continued to petition God in our behalf during the dark days following his tragic death. You may read Gavin’s story as it unfolded by visiting my old blog here. I am committed to sharing my ongoing struggles with grief and our journey toward joy here on the new blog. I am always humbled and amazed by the continued outpouring of love and support. Thank you for sharing in our journey and inspiring us with your unceasing love! God is good!

*My brother Gavin passed away unexpectedly in 2007. With all these Angel Gavins, it can get a little confusing at times, so just know that when I refer to “Gavin” I’m referring to my wonderful brother. When I refer to “Baby Gavin,” it is in reference to my perfect son, both of whom I cannot wait to see in Heaven!

**You will periodically see me blog about The Sounds of Pertussis campaign. I am an unpaid spokesperson and am only compensated travel expenses where applicable for my involvement with this important cause. Join our fight against this deadly communicable disease at www.soundsofpertussis.com or like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/soundsofpertussis.

People constantly ask, “What does your husband do?” and I constantly stare back at them somewhat dumbfounded, because what I WANT to say is, “Richie makes waves, moves mountains and changes the world!” But it’s hard to make THAT fit into the confines of a monetized job description.

Richie helps people. He helps them overcome obstacles, live dreams and build authentic relationships with the people who mater most. He helps them get real and be happy, and he helps them make lots and lots of money in the process. Until they come up with a title for THAT, I think I’ll have to maintain my mindless stare.

PS. Ever wondered why (or HOW) we live in Hawaii? Ever wondered why (or HOW) we do things like. . . say. . . take our 7 year old to Nicaragua for the weekend? Ever wondered how we weather grief, stay happy and get.things.done? Every one of those questions is answered in this quick but beefy 30 page read.

Erin Davenport:
Wow!! I had no idea what your hubby was up to and if if I'd had a chance to ask last week I'd have gotten the stare :) I can't wait to see what this is all about!
I love your writing, by the way, and I'm so glad to know you. xoxo March 2, 2011 6:43 pm

Kristy:
Entered! In the middle of the book. Wheels are turning. You two are so cool....wish we could hang out! :) March 2, 2011 7:01 pm

Dolly:
Oh the books I want to read, piling higher on my nightstand. Teasers like this always make me think I should have been more diligent in learning to speed read. LOVE.READING. NEED.MORE.DOWNTIME! March 2, 2011 7:08 pm

Kindsay:
Richie is an AMAZING man!!!!! We are so proud of him! March 2, 2011 9:05 pm

Natalie Norton:
Thank you everyone for being so enthusiastic! It really is WONDERFUL isn't it!? So proud of him! March 2, 2011 10:39 pm

Shelly:
It really is inspiring! Such an easy read, but FULL of incredible insight and motivation for anyone that takes the time to devour it. Way to go, Richie! March 3, 2011 4:47 am

Amy Paulson:
I cannot wait to read this and basically share with everyone I know. You two are incredible... And thank you for all that the two of you do. March 3, 2011 5:27 am

mer:
goosebumps everywhere reading this! amazing! can't wait to read this and i will be passing on the goodness for sure!!! March 3, 2011 7:15 am

Rachel Boatright DeVault:
Aw, shoot! I posted a comment on his site before I realized that my comment was my entry! D'oh! I would've made it so much cleverer and so much cooler...but thank you SO much for sharing this! I'm so excited! March 3, 2011 8:14 am

Pua:
Just read it and loved it. That husband of yours is brilliant! :) March 3, 2011 8:36 am

Alisa:
I think its time to get real. When people ask what your husband does they are asking how does he make a living? how does he pay the bills to own homes in Hawaii? Not everyone understands that the bank of D-A-D is what allowed start ups, travel, home buying, all the things you claim major success with. Rehashing what is essentially other peoples ideas in a mini book format is not brilliant. Its time to get real. Do it for you and for others benefit as well. Lots of hype with little real substance will not truly help others. You can do it! March 3, 2011 6:56 pm

natalie:
Alisa, Oh! How I wish that were true! xx! N March 4, 2011 3:50 pm

Paul:
This ebook was inspiring to me! Thank you so much for sharing this. And I'm being REAL! Had amazing substance. I appreciate this. March 5, 2011 1:09 pm

Julie:
I saw the link to this ebook on my friends facebook and anything with the name "Norton" catches my eye. I went to BYUH in 2003 and remember Richie well. He wouldn't know me but I remember hearing him play his guitar and dedicate songs to you! They were so happy and fun and oh it was good times! I really miss Laie and this book is soooo inspiring! Puts a whole new outlook on life for me and my husband. Thank you! March 6, 2011 5:09 pm

Becky:
Just read Richie's book. Great ideas that got [more] wheels turning in my head. Can't wait to pass this on to my younger sister who is just finishing college--I wish I had had something so quick, simple, and INSPIRING to help lead me at that point in my life! Thank Richie for sharing this with the world. :) March 19, 2011 12:21 pm

Larie Manutai:
I'm only half-way through your book and am inspired already to get going with my life. Thank you Richie! You truly are a visionary!!!! December 6, 2011 11:30 pm